Overview

The International Policy Research Assistantship (IPRA) program provides Ford School students the opportunity to build practical skills while supporting new and ongoing faculty research. IPRA is administered by the Ford School’s International Policy Center (IPC) and made possible through the generosity of the Weiser Family.

Dr. Amy Beck Harris seeks an in-residence Ford School of Public Policy MPA/MPP student to serve as a part-time research assistant for the Fall 2026 term.  The selected candidate may be asked to continue work during the Winter 2027 term, contingent upon funding availability and successful completion of Fall 2026 research tasks and IPC reporting requirements.

Dr. Harris’s new research project would feature the creation of a global public participation design library. The intended audience for this library includes international development and participatory development practitioners, professionals charged with participatory design, and students learning about public participation.  

Work Location

The work location for this position is primarily remote, with periodic in-person check-ins at Weill Hall with the faculty supervisor.

Start Date

The tentative start date will be Monday, September 14 or 21.

Responsibilities

The student will have opportunities to conduct research-related tasks in support of the faculty’s project. Illustrative tasks include:

·         Contributing draft sections of an academic paper;

·         Identifying and (potentially) conducting outreach with external stakeholders;

·         Developing case studies;

·         Establishing an online platform;

·         Completing other duties, as assigned.

Eligibility & Qualifications

·         Current and incoming (in-residence) Ford School MPA/MPP students in good standing. PhD students and non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

·         Students may only serve in one (1) IPRA position during a given term;

·         Availability to work between 8 and 10 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Dr. Harris and the student at the beginning of the semester;

·         Demonstrated interest in international policy required;

·         Prior experience, knowledge of, and/or training in international development and/or public participation/community engagement abroad a plus – particularly in Latin America or South Asia (upcoming regions of focus). This includes activities like needs assessments, and community workshops and meetings, among other examples;

·         Strong writing skills;

·         Ability to engage with partner organizations abroad respectfully, and willingness to learn preferred engagement practices;

·         Proficiency in one or more foreign languages preferred;

·         Note that the research assistant may support development of the online platform, including research into the process and collaboration with appropriate on-campus experts. Prior experience or knowledge of website and digital platform design not required, but a plus.

Compensation

·         $20 per hour for MPP/MPA applicants.

Other Considerations

·         If hired, students must agree to prepare a brief narrative report for IPC each term, detailing IPRA tasks and skills acquired. IPC may share this narrative report information publicly and with the Weiser Family, an IPRA donor, to demonstrate program impact.

How to Apply

Please submit a resumé and one-page cover letter as a single PDF file (required) via U-M’s Student Employment portal by Friday, August 28 (11:59pm). Do NOT submit these materials directly to the faculty supervisor or IPC staff.

Current and incoming (in-residence) Ford School MPA/MPP students in good standing. PhD students and non-Ford School students are ineligible for this opportunity. Please note that the Ford School may provide academic standing-related information to faculty supervisors prior to making hiring decisions;

·         Students may only serve in one (1) IPRA position during a given term;

·         Availability to work between 8 and 10 hours per week on a regular schedule determined by Dr. Harris and the student at the beginning of the semester;

·         Demonstrated interest in international policy required;

·         Prior experience, knowledge of, and/or training in international development and/or public participation/community engagement abroad a plus – particularly in Latin America or South Asia (upcoming regions of focus). This includes activities like needs assessments, and community workshops and meetings, among other examples;

·         Strong writing skills;

·         Ability to engage with partner organizations abroad respectfully, and willingness to learn preferred engagement practices;

·         Proficiency in one or more foreign languages preferred;

·         Note that the research assistant may support development of the online platform, including research into the process and collaboration with appropriate on-campus experts. Prior experience or knowledge of website and digital platform design not required, but a plus.